Courts / Dublin / Report

Witness saw murder accused hit former rugby club captain "again and again", jury hears

Summary

In the trial of Gary Walsh, 32, accused of murdering former Dublin rugby club captain Cathal Sweeney, the defence counsel challenged a witness's account of the alleged assault. Walsh pleaded not guilty to the murder but had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State rejected. Taxi driver Michael McGuinness testified that Sweeney had alcohol problems and was a regular at the Terenure Inn. The prosecution's statement described a confrontation in the flat's sitting room, with Walsh allegedly punching Sweeney multiple times. Witness Colm Campbell, a friend of Sweeney, claimed he saw Walsh repeatedly hit Sweeney in the bedroom, describing a violent struggle lasting about 30 seconds. The defence argued that Campbell's testimony was fabricated, asserting that the alleged assault did not occur in the bedroom and that Campbell was attempting to distance himself from the events. The trial remains ongoing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Witness saw murder accused hit former rugby club captain "again and again", jury hears. Charges or matters: murder. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 8 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 9 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2015-10-08 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report